ROCK HILL, SC (FOX 46 WJZY) — A South Carolina Congressman is getting both support and criticism after an incident that happened inside Rock Hill Diner.
United States Representative Ralph Norman (R-SC) isn’t shy about his opinions on guns. He’s a firm believer in the second amendment, is a concealed carry permit holder and owns a .38 caliber handgun.
During a meet and greet with constituents at Rock Hill Diner Friday morning, he was confronted on the issue of gun control.
Norman said he pulled out his loaded weapon to prove his point on the issue.
Afterwards, Norman wrote on his Facebook page quote, “Mental health, and more importantly, a lack of morality, is the driving force behind this epidemic. Guns are not the problem.”
FOX 46 Charlotte spoke with several of his constituents, on and off camera, who are split on his show and tell tactic.
“It’s inappropriate,” said one constituent. “Gun ownership is not about showing them.”
But Norman’s supporters are coming to his defense.
One person writing on his Facebook page,”I agree with you. Guns are not the problem. We have too many with mental issues and feeling entitled.”
A second writing “Good job.”
A third, “Thank you so much Ralph for standing up to our second amendment rights.”
Norman is also receiving backlash for reportedly saying he wasn’t going to be another Gabby Giffords, the former Arizona congresswoman, who was shot in 2011 during an assassination attempt.
Her husband using social media to respond saying, “When i think of Gabby Giffords, I think of courage and public service, not intimidating constituents. You’re no Gabby, Representative Ralph Norman, you pull out a gun when you are prepared and need to use it – not for a stunt.”
The South Carolina Democratic Party is calling for an investigation into the congressman’s action. They’re pointing to South Carolina law, Section 16-24-410, that states it’s illegal to present a firearm when there isn’t a threat.
